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How can sustainability consulting firms tailor their services to effectively support Chief Sustainability Officers (CSOs) in the implementation of ESG strategies within Belgian large organisations?

Herman, Aurélien
(2024)

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HERMAN_87202200_2024.pdf
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HERMAN_87202200_APPENDIX1_2024.pdf
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Details

Supervisors
Decaux, Loïc
Faculty
Louvain School of Management
Degree label
Master [120] en sciences de gestion, à finalité spécialisée
Abstract
This research paper aims to provide tailored recommendations on how sustainability consulting firms can enhance their services to support Chief Sustainability Officers (CSOs) in implementing environment-social-governance (ESG) strategies within Belgian large companies. Through a literature review, theoretical aspects related to ESG strategies, the role of CSOs, and practices in sustainability agencies were uncovered. We carried out 15 in-depth and semi-structured interviews with CSOs that work in organisations from a wide range of sectors, mainly: retail, banking, energy, construction, and public sector. After the results were gathered, we designed a clear data structure based on an approved qualitative research methodology for the inductive approach. Four aggregate dimensions that influence the success of ESG strategies’ implementation arose from the interview findings, namely: the emergence of new positions, the transversality of responsibilities, the challenging environment, and organisational change. Ultimately, 11 recommendations were given under three areas of improvement: leadership and management, interactions with the ESG environment, and businesses’ strategy and current needs. Throughout this research, we underlined that sustainability consulting firms must anticipate the needs of their clients in the most effective way possible. To address these needs, firms must have a skilled workforce capable of exploiting ESG criteria, EU regulations, and the corporate challenges of their clients. Limitations can be found in the study's focus on large Belgian organisations, potentially limiting the applicability of our suggestions to smaller firms or other geographical contexts.